XENIA, Ohio. — The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team were victorious in their 2025-26 season opener on Friday as the Tigers defeated Albany State, 89-59, at the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse in Xenia, Ohio. 

West Alabama (1-0, 0-0 GSC) was electric from beyond the arc, burying 13 threes on a 50 percent clip in route to their 30-point win over Albany State (0-1, 0-0 SIAC).

UWA established an early lead with a strong offensive performance in the first half, highlighted by converting seven 3-pointers on 14 attempts. Their dominance on the glass was evident, as they secured a 22-10 rebounding advantage, including 11 offensive boards that led to 13 second-chance points. Christian Thompson grabbed 12 of the Tigers' 22 first half rebounds. The Golden Rams struggled with turnovers, committing six, which contributed to West Alabama's 10 points off turnovers. At the end of the half, the Tigers held a 45-31 advantage.

West Alabama outscored Albany State 44-28 in the second half, fueled by a strong bench performance contributing 24 points. UWA continued to capitalized on turnovers, converting nine from Albany State into 14 points, while also shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc with six three-pointers. Five minutes into the period, the Tigers used a 13-4 run to extend their lead to 20. UWA continued to pour it on, with baskets coming from Caleb Parr, Jakobe Singleton, and Rasean Frederick as West Alabama cruised to their 89-59 win.

Parr converted five of seven attempts from beyond the arc, finishing with 15 points and two steals. Thompson dominated the boards, collecting 15 rebounds and adding eight points. Frederick scored 15 points and recorded two steals, while going 7-for-9 from the free-throw line. Singleton added 16 points, converting seven of eight free throws and pulling down six rebounds.

West Alabama will look to claim the top spot in the GSC/SIAC Crossover on Saturday as they gear up for a matchup against Central State to conclude the weekend.